A recent study published in Communications Earth & Environment reveals that planting trees alone cannot offset the carbon emissions from the world's largest fossil fuel companies, which would require reforesting over 24.75 million square kilometers—an area larger than North America.

Researchers found that the collective carbon removal capacity of trees through photosynthesis is insufficient to counteract the emissions from the fossil fuel reserves held by the 200 largest oil, gas, and coal companies.

The study emphasizes the necessity of reducing carbon emissions directly, rather than relying solely on offsetting methods like tree planting.

While afforestation can provide benefits, the authors argue it should not replace the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, highlighting that fossil fuel reserves should remain untapped.

The researchers concluded that afforestation is impractical for offsetting emissions from existing fossil fuel reserves due to the massive land area required and potential displacement of communities.

The financial implications of mass-scale tree planting are staggering, with costs estimated at approximately $10.8 trillion, significantly exceeding the total market valuation of these fossil fuel companies.

Experts caution against oversimplifying carbon capture, arguing that while tree planting can enhance food security and biodiversity, it is not a comprehensive solution to climate change.

Jonathan Foley, executive director of Project Drawdown, emphasizes the need to stop carbon emissions at the source, comparing it to turning off a running tap before cleaning up an overflowing bathtub.

Future emissions scenarios typically assume a combination of reducing emissions and employing offsets, which may include afforestation due to its low cost.

Rich Collett-White from Carbon Tracker warns that the required level of afforestation could drive up food prices and potentially cause deforestation elsewhere to meet food demands.

The research indicates that the current trajectory of fossil fuel use is incompatible with global climate targets, as last year was recorded as the hottest year ever, nearing the critical 1.5 degrees Celsius increase.

Daphne Yin from Carbon180 stated that it is financially impossible to offset enough carbon to compensate for future fossil fuel burning, suggesting that companies should be held accountable for their emissions.